Hope for the European Court of Human Rights?

The Committee of Ministers’ meeting of the Council of Europe showed that inter-governmental cooperation demands huge amounts of patience even when there are acute problems to solve.

The case-load of the European Court of Human Rights exploded years ago, but putting remedies in place has proven to be a slow process.

The 11 May 2007 Communiqué of the Committee of Ministers adds very little towards rescuing the Court.

The Ministers, again, expressed their hope that Protocol No. 14 to the Convention (streamlining the proceedings) would come into force in the nearest future.

This is not going to happen without ratification from every member state, and Russia has not ratified the Protocol, as yet.

In addition, the Ministers were able to point out the work of the Group of Wise Persons, a recent high-level colloquy and to voice a general message of support for the long-term effectiveness of the unique protection system of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Ralf Grahn